History of the NDPA

The NDPA was officially formed as a 501(c)(3) organization in November of 2004. With a volunteer Founding Board of Directors representing multiple focus areas within drowning prevention and various areas of expertise (see Founding Board List) the organization quickly grew and prospered. Following are highlights from the NDPA’s history:

2002

To fulfill the company’s corporate mission of reducing toddler drownings, D&D Technologies embarked on an endeavor to establish a national organization devoted to drowning prevention. D&D President David Calabria asked Maureen Williams, the company’s PR manager, to organize the first National Drowning Prevention Symposium. Clark County Safe Kids was the host agency for the first symposium, which took place in Las Vegas, NV and brought together aquatic safety organizations and advocates to discuss challenges and opportunities in the advancement of drowning prevention. While D&D continues to financially support the NDPA, many other companies, organizations and individuals have followed their lead in financially supporting the NDPA.

2003

The volunteer Founding Board of Directors was formed and began meeting via teleconference on a monthly basis. Committees were established to address various focus areas within drowning prevention. The 2nd Annual Symposium was held in Phoenix, in conjunction with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Central Arizona.

2004

The 3rd Annual Symposium was held in Palm Springs, CA, as a “Partnership in Prevention” with local agencies including Riverside County Department of Health and Inland Empire Safe Kids Coalition. The in-person board meeting at the symposium generated energy and momentum to continue the growth of the NDPA. D&D Technologies underwrote the expenses for the NDPA to be officially established as a 501(c)(3) organization. Through additional sponsorship support from Riverside County Injury Prevention Services, the NDPA was able to establish our website. The first membership drive resulted in 85 members.

2005

The Board of Directors focused attention on Strategic Planning in 2005. At the 4th Annual Symposium held in Austin, TX in conjunction with the Central Texas Water Safety Coalition, the Board developed a formal mission statement and value statement, and began laying out the framework for our Strategic Plan with short-term and long-term goals. The strategic planning committee met twice in California later that year to further develop the strategic plan.

2006

The 5th Annual Symposium was held in Fort Myers, FL, with the host agency, SWIM Lee. Sufficient sponsorship funds were received, and with consistent profit from the annual symposium, the NDPA was able to hire a part-time contractor to handle all the administrative and bookkeeping duties, and to coordinate the NDPA symposiums with the local host agencies. This set the stage for rapid progress and expansion of services. Policies and procedures were formalized.

2007

Again working with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Central Arizona, along with the Phoenix Fire Department, the 6th Annual Symposium returned to Phoenix. The Swim for Life Foundation generously provided $20,000 to the NDPA as the first Presenting Sponsor for the 2007 Symposium. Additional sponsorships from D&D Technologies, IPSSA, Mary Glass-Schannault, Banner Hospital, MG International, Blue Buoy Swim School and many others, contributed to the $43,000 in sponsorship income. The US Swim School Association promoted NDPA membership to their own members, resulting in 38 new members for the NDPA. The Research & Data Committee of the NDPA issued their report on Measuring the Decrease in Child Drowning.

2008

This year, the NDPA has already shown significant progress. The 2008 Symposium in Irvine, CA, hosted by the Orange County Fire Authority, generated unprecedented momentum and support for the NDPA. The NDPA Board of Directors adopted a modified mission statement during their annual in-person board meeting. The new mission statement was designed to incorporate all aquatic safety areas and interests with the common understanding that “Drowning IS Preventable.” NDPA President Johnny Johnson unveiled a draft version of the NDPA’s Core Belief Statement to symposium attendees. Many remarked that this statement helped them to understand the group’s purpose and to identify with the overall goals of the organization (see final version of Core Beliefs enclosed). A tax accountant was engaged as a consultant to periodically provide oversight for the NDPA’s financial recordkeeping. Developed and since maintained our website with public and member resources. An NDPA committee completed the group’s first official position paper, which will be published in the International Journal of Aquatics later this year.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

It is with this momentum and support that the NDPA board is confident the organization is moving toward becoming a financially self-sustaining organization while continuing our progress in the advancement of drowning prevention through education, research, barrier codes & legislation, support services, and resources for our members.

• NDPA’s Research & Data Committee compiled a report on Measuring the Decrease in Child Drowning
• Organized seven successful Annual National Drowning Prevention Symposiums, in six different cities across the country
• Launched a website to provide members with credible and usable resources and information, also allowing for exposure for sponsors, supporters, and members
• Consistently maintained a membership base between 90-130 members without any formal membership campaigns.
• Established support from other national organizations related to drowning prevention including: American Red Cross, CDC, IPSSA, Lifesaving Resources, National Swimming Pool Foundation, Safe Kids Worldwide, CPSC, Swim For Life Foundation, US Swim School Association, United States Lifesaving Association, YMCA of the USA, and many others.
• Generated financial support each year
• Created a position paper on Layers of Protection, citing broad-based research, and thereby creating a template for future documents and research credited to the NDPA
• Acted as an instrumental consultant for the author of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Safety Act, the first ever national legislation addressing pool and spa safety.

The NDPA recognizes, addresses, and supports drowning prevention efforts for persons of all ages and drowning risks in all types of bodies of water. As a short-term goal we are striving to place emphasis on research, awareness, and policy changes to impact the incidence of toddler drowning in swimming pools. The NDPA is located at 1 Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

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